BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance (2027 entry)
Discover how organisations use accounting insights to drive performance and make strategic decisions. Build skills to analyse financial data, manage resources and support business success on a degree aligned with professional accounting and finance.
What type of applicant are you?
Sign up for Clearing VIP Access
Skip the queues on results day with an exclusive priority Clearing hotline number.
Get info and updates
Sign up for updates
Interested in studying at the University of Hertfordshire and want to sign up to our mailing list to learn more about our facilities, living in the UK and student life? Use the form below and our team will also keep you informed of key updates such as events near you, applications opening and more!
-
Typical offer: 112
Entry requirements -
Fees: £10,050 per year (UK)
Full details -
UCAS code: N4N3
-
Course length: Various
Find out more -
Location:
- University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
-
Institute code: H36
-
Work placement option
Find out more -
Study abroad option
Find out more
Professionally aligned programmes with possibility of gaining some exemptions from professional body exams.
Over 91% of undergraduates in work/study (Graduate Outcomes, 2026)1
Gain practical experience through live business challenges, with optional study‑abroad and internship opportunities.
Course overview
Accounting and finance expertise is highly valued whatever career you choose and is crucial to the success of any organisation. On this accounting and finance course, you’ll go beyond the numbers, learning how financial information drives business performance, investment decisions and long‑term value. You’ll build a strong foundation in financial reporting, corporate finance, management accounting and financial analysis, equipping you to interpret complex financial data, evaluate organisational performance and make informed strategic and financial decisions.
Kickstart your accounting and finance journey with practical insights and key skills that prepare you for a successful career in finance. You’ll develop analytical, digital, problem-solving and reporting skills, alongside professional judgement and the ability to critically evaluate financial information.
Throughout your studies, you’ll immerse yourself in financial reporting, management accounting and corporate finance, building your expertise year by year. You’ll develop practical quantitative techniques and core analytical skills to interpret financial information, evaluate performance and support informed financial decision-making.
You’ll bring your learning to life through interactive sessions, simulations and group exercises, combining established theories, emerging techniques and real practitioner insights. To advance in the workplace, you’ll complement your technical knowledge with vital interpersonal, communication and specialist soft skills required in accounting and finance.
Why choose this course?
Flexible assessment methods: Be prepared for the workplace with varied and balanced assessments. Our closed‑book exams are complemented by practical assessments, including online tests, professional report writing, group presentations and discussions, live debates, recorded presentations and simulated workplace tasks.
Sandwich year opportunity: Take an industry placement, study abroad or internship year opportunity (including the latest online bite-sized digital experiences) to help you find your direction and boost your CV to secure your first graduate role.
Industry expert lecturers: Hertfordshire Business School is proud of our strong relationships with professional bodies, our alumni network and business connections. Benefit from our collaborations as you learn and gain from their industry experience and stories, meet entrepreneurs-in-residence, business ambassadors and industry leaders at networking events or in guest lectures through our Business Academy. Embrace opportunities to work with industry mentors via Beds, Bucks & Herts Society of Chartered Accountant from firms such as Rayner Essex, Moore Kingston Smith, TC Group, Mercer and Hole and Gilberts, plus cross paths through your sessions with many others.
Build the skills employers want with ICAEW and ACCA‑aligned learning: You’ll develop the technical, professional and leadership skills expected by top accounting firms. Through practical projects and business‑focused tasks, you’ll learn to understand performance, solve problems and make confident decisions that prepare you for a future in accounting, finance or business.
Unlock your entrepreneurial potential with our exclusive opportunities in social sustainability: Be a part of the enactus society, organising projects that are making a difference every day. You can also take part in the national University Business Challenge, or join our Enterprise Bootcamp based in our Herts Business Incubator.
Support system: We are a caring and friendly university, and you’ll receive excellent support from a staff community team to help you with any academic and personal challenges.
Professional accreditations
Take your career further with a degree designed to maximise exemptions from professional accounting qualifications. On completion of your accounting and finance degree, you’ll be ready to apply for exemptions from exams with leading UK professional accounting bodies, including ACCA, ICAEW, CIMA and CIPFA.
These professional bodies offer recognised qualifications for careers in accountancy, finance and related fields. If becoming a qualified accountant is your goal and you’re looking for the maximum exemptions, we can advise you on which modules to choose in your final year to help you achieve this.
Your future career
With a strong foundation in accounting and finance, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to progress confidently in any direction across the financial and managerial landscape.
Typical career paths for accounting and finance graduates include:
- Finance analyst
- management accountant
- tax accountant
- auditor
- investment banker
- finance officer
- finance manager
- procurement
- asset management.
Graduates have progressed into roles across a wide range of organisations, including PwC, EY, Citibank, Amazon, BMW, Avnet, Secret Escapes, Enterprise, John Lewis, TUI, The Walt Disney Company, NHS, Hewlett Packard, Costco, Hertfordshire County Council, Price Bailey LLP, Cathedral Capital and Balfour Beatty Rail.
You’ll develop solutions‑focused business expertise with strong intellectual, creative and analytical skills, gaining a clear understanding of how accounting and finance principles operate in real‑world contexts. We also support you in exploring CV‑enhancing opportunities such as employer competitions, insight days, digital programmes, volunteering, student leadership roles and accomplishment awards.
See what recent graduates are up to
Ansa Talib
Financial Planning and Analysis Business Partner at Arriva
Meet Ansa. Ansa decided to follow her passion for accounting and finance after visiting Herts for an open day.
Bucking the trend
Ansa had always been interested in accounting and finance and had been good at maths since she was a child. Despite growing up with siblings working in the health sciences, she took the brave step of pursuing her passion at Herts after attending an open day on campus. Ansa says, ‘I’m from Luton and wanted to commute to university. I attended an open day at Herts and was blown away by the campus’ facilities and atmosphere – everyone was so friendly there.’
Ansa applied to Herts through Clearing, where she was able to talk on the phone to an adviser who took her through the University’s accounting and finance programmes and the different options available to her.
Building professional relationships
Reflecting on her course, Ansa says she enjoyed how the BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance programme was taught, mainly as she settled in during her first year. Ansa says, ‘Our tutors were great. They ensured everyone was on the same page and that no one was left behind. I keep in touch with many of my tutors now, who gave me great advice when I was completing my Association of Chartered Certified Accountants exams.’
Ansa also did a placement year with Avnet as a finance assistant. She found the opportunity on the University’s careers website and believes her placement was vital in helping her build on the skills she had learnt on the course. Ansa adds, ‘I had a placement supervisor from Herts who was great. She visited me at Avnet to see how I was getting on and she would always answer any questions I had.’
Her advice
Ansa’s advice to current and future Herts students is to understand early what you would like to do in your career. She says, ‘This is particularly true for accounting and finance students, as there is the opportunity to choose some modules in your final year. It is beneficial to pick those that you have an interest in and that you could potentially use for your career, including ones that carry exemptions towards your professional qualification. It’s better to use the facilities at Herts when you have access to support, rather than doing it after you have graduated.’
But most importantly, Ansa says, ‘Enjoy yourself. Work is different to being at university, so be flexible and make sure you get the most out of your time at Herts.’
Wesley Pearson
Finance and Operations Associate at Hedge fund
Meet Wesley. After learning about a potential career in accounting and finance from an unlikely source, he now has ambitions to become a Chief Finance Officer.
From Bugatti’s to balance sheets
Wesley found out about a potential career in accounting and finance from an unlikely source – his fellow petrolheads. He says, ‘I met a lot of people at track car driving days and many of them were accountants. That’s how they paid for such an expensive hobby! Many of my family also work in finance, and they encouraged me to follow this career path.’
Herts was close to where Wesley lived too, so commuting to campus allowed him to study whilst keeping a part-time job. He had also heard about Hertfordshire Business School’s strong reputation. Wesley says, ‘I attended a few open days at Herts, and the accounting and finance team were very welcoming.’
His favourite memories
Wesley says what he learnt on the course was broad and it gave him a great understanding of accounting. He adds, ‘With the support of my lecturers and friends, I was able to achieve a first-class degree, which carries a lot of weight in the accounting and finance sector.’
Some of his favourite memories from Herts were the interactions he had with his lecturers, the life-long friendships he built, nights out, and moving to campus in his final year. He says, ‘Because I moved to campus in my final year, I had the best of both worlds during my studies. It was great to be able to have the full campus experience.’
His future ambitions and advice
After leaving Herts, Wesley joined accountancy firm Price Bailey and qualified as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. There, he was able to gain experience in general auditing, accounts, and tax preparation. He then joined Blick Rothenberg in London, where he focused on auditing hedge funds, private equity firms and funds.
In the new year (2023), he’ll be joining a hedge fund as their Finance and Operations Associate, which he is incredibly excited about. He says, ‘My ultimate career ambition is to become the Chief Operating Officer or Chief Finance Officer for a hedge fund.’
Wesley’s best advice to current and future Herts students is to make the most of the placement year. He says, ‘I did mine at Mazars Accountants. Completing a placement has enormous value for employers when you are looking for a job, and a placement gives you a glimpse into what work could look like. You get the chance to explore areas that do and don’t appeal to you.’
Hardik Patel
Management Accountant at Specialist bank
Meet Hardik. Hardik came to Herts through clearing and loved his time here. He is now a Management Accountant for a specialist bank, with ambitions to become a chartered accountant.
A spontaneous decision
Hardik made the choice to come to Herts on A-level results day and called our clearing hotline. In his words, ‘It was a spontaneous decision. I had been accepted on a course at another university, but I’m glad I decided to study at Herts. I loved every bit of my time here.’
‘The University’s location was perfect for me too. It is not too far from London and some of my closest friends from school were also coming to study here.’
Fond memories
Hardik has fond memories from his time at Herts, from partying at The Forum to late-night study sessions in our Learning Resources Centres. Hardik was a Student Representative for his course during his first year, which helped him get to know his peers and represent their views to the teaching staff.
He was also a committee member for Hertfordshire Students’ Union’s Hindu Society, where he helped organise events for the University’s thriving Hindu community.
Going on placement
Hardik is working as a Management Accountant for a specialist bank. He believes his placement year during his course prepared him well for his current role, adding, ‘Being able to gain real-life experience gave me vital insight into what a career in accounting and finance would be like. It made me more disciplined and added a structure to my studies, which helped me graduate with first-class honours.’
While progressing in his current company, he aims to pass his Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) exam and qualify as a chartered accountant.
Hardik’s advice
Hardik’s advice to current and future Herts students is to, ‘Enjoy your time at university – you will probably never have the same experience again. Find yourself a hobby, like joining a society or club. To help boost your studies, I’d always recommend doing a placement year, as this will give you hands-on experience in the career you want to get into.’
What you'll study
The BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance at the University of Hertfordshire combines essential accounting and finance knowledge with practical analytical and quantitative skills, preparing you for a wide range of careers across accounting, finance and the wider business sector.
Teaching is typically scheduled across two days per week, giving you around 10–12 contact hours through a blend of lectures, workshops, seminars and guided self‑study. Assessments in this year include compulsory exams as well as a wide range of real‑world tasks such as reports, analyses, presentations and applied business projects.
In your first year, you’ll learn the principles of accounting, explore and analyse financial information as well as enhance your digital and professional skills such as presenting and critical evaluation.
In your second year, you'll deepen your financial and management accounting knowledge, analyse business performance, and explore how financial reporting and corporate finance support decision-making. You'll also enhance your employability and strengthen the analytical, professional and technical skills needed for future accounting and finance roles.
In both your first and second year you’ll study four modules each year (two per semester), each offering a balanced mix of theoretical understanding and practical, transferable skills.
Your final year introduces more specialised content. You'll study eight smaller modules (four per semester), allowing you to explore a broader range of accounting and finance topics as you develop advanced expertise in financial reporting, corporate finance and financial analysis. You'll also have the opportunity to tailor your studies through specialist option choices, such as taxation and advisory services, while evaluating professional practice and shaping your professional identity.
There are extra-curricular opportunities to further enrich your personal development through our placements, internships, study-abroad and Future Success team events.
What if I need support?
You'll benefit from dedicated support teams within the Business School, including Academic Support, Wellbeing, and a personal tutor who will assist you in adjusting to the demands of university learning and living.
Additional support is available from our Student Success team, which focuses on inclusive learning, as well as our dedicated Future Success network, which helps with work experience, placements, and graduate jobs.
You can join and engage with the Business School Student Voice community, consisting of a team of student representatives who regularly meet with staff to provide feedback and ensure the effectiveness of teaching.
Our in-house Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE) is available to all Business School students, offering additional support in areas such as academic writing, numeracy, and referencing.
Optional placement year
At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge CV booster
Professional work experience is a significant contributor to your future employability. It allows you to put your knowledge into action, while learning how a business operates and making some handy professional connections.
We'll help you make the most of the experience, holding your hand from start to finish. You also get assistance with your CV, plus help preparing for interviews and presentations, at our ground-breaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.
Students on the programme have recently had the opportunity to benefit from placements at NHS, Worldpay, SMBC, Grant Thornton and Ernst Young.
Two students recently secured mini‑internships through the Women in Business and Black in Business programmes.
You can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.
More and more companies are now working internationally, the experience of living in another country will make a great impression on future employers. Putting knowledge into action, learn how a business operates and make professional connections.
With over 100 partners in 38 countries, the world really is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.
If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.
At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge CV booster
Professional work experience is a significant contributor to your future employability. It allows you to put your knowledge into action, while learning how a business operates and making some handy professional connections.
We'll help you make the most of the experience, holding your hand from start to finish. You also get assistance with your CV, plus help preparing for interviews and presentations, at our ground-breaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.
Students on the programme have recently had the opportunity to benefit from placements at NHS, Worldpay, SMBC, Grant Thornton and Ernst Young.
Two students recently secured mini‑internships through the Women in Business and Black in Business programmes.
Find out more about work placementsYou can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.
More and more companies are now working internationally, the experience of living in another country will make a great impression on future employers. Putting knowledge into action, learn how a business operates and make professional connections.
With over 100 partners in 38 countries, the world really is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.
If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.
Find out more about study abroad optionsWhere you'll study
You'll be taught on our modern de Havilland Campus, with our 24/7 Learning Resources Centre, offering open and private study spaces. You also get online self-study materials to further support you.
There are dining options, a bar, and a recreational space on campus where you can shoot some pool or play video games. It also houses Hertfordshire Sports Village, featuring a gym, swimming pool, coffee shop and climbing wall.
Discover the Enterprise Hub, a vibrant destination where local firms and students work and learn in comfort.
The Student Union bar and additional facilities are only a 20-minute walk (or short bus ride) away at our second campus, on College Lane. Student housing is available at both campuses.
A train to central London takes just over 25 minutes, and you are also conveniently located on the A1(M) with access to the road network, making travel quick and convenient.
Who you'll learn from
A dedicated academic support team, wellbeing team, and personal tutor help you acclimatise to university life. You’ll be taught by academics and researchers alongside innovative industry specialists with years of hands-on experience. You’ll also learn from our industry mentors, who share experience, expertise and networks as you enter the working world.
With teaching backgrounds that include Big Four accountancy firms, FTSE 100 companies, higher education, and professional accountancy exam colleges, your lecturers bring a wealth of real-world insight to the classroom. You’ll build on your knowledge as they show you how accounting and finance theory applies in practice.
Embrace ideas and insights from strategic thinkers and engaging practitioners who know how to bring the subject alive.
How we support our students
At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.
We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.
Entry requirements
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
Ready to apply?
UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK
| Start date | Study type | Apply |
|---|---|---|
| September 2027 | Full time | Apply via UCAS |
| Full time with placement year | Apply via UCAS | |
| Full time with study abroad year | Apply via UCAS |
International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK
Apply through Clearing
Our Clearing hotline is open for support, Monday - Thursday 9.00-16.45 and Friday 9.00-15.45. You can apply online at any time.
Fees and funding
At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.
More about the course
| Programme specifications | |
|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance with a Year Abroad, Full Time, Sem A | Download PDF |
| BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance - Full Time, Sem A | Download PDF |
| BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance with Placement Year - Full Time, Sem A | Download PDF |
| Additional information | |
|---|---|
|
Applications open to international and EU students |
Yes |
Course length |
Full Time, 3 YearsSandwich, 4 Years |
